New heng long tanks

[oldwolf]

The sad part is HL does have the ability already (program addition/activation) to be "100%" Tamiya protocol compatible, well more like similar then 100%. HL version of damage, weight class and rate of fire. Still it would have been close enough. I almost had them convinced to activate it, then COVID hit. At the time they don't activate it because they felt their market is more interested in airsoft bb shooting then in IR battling. For the vast majority of buyers this is true. Fortunately at least many of the features now available they did add.

For HL everything comes down to how they see their product. Which is as a TOY first and foremost. The full Tamiya battle protocols and aftermarket TX/RX they consider a hobbyist level and that is "NOT" their market, "It would add to much to the cost" of the base tank. Meaning it would price out many of the TOY buyers.

The Merk was ready back in spring 2019 and was supposed to be released Christmas of that year, but we all know what happened then..... I will say that the delay was well worth the wait because HL added a few features that the 2019 version did not appear have.

So HL is listening just very slowly and if we keep asking at some point we will get the improvement we are asking for. They have come a long way in the last four to five years in their electronics and mechanical feature upgrades. 🤞🤞 it continues.

Perhaps the new Tongde tanks will pressure them to try to expand their market. The last video of the new merkava seems to show them including a lot more detail as well as optional ways to set those details up.

[Zippersnapper]

$357 is not a bad price for a all metal version IMO. If it has barrel recoil or at least the option, I'll scoop it up. Curious what sound file they are putting with it.

Quoting my source:
"Hello

The Merkava will be available in about two weeks.
There are three versions of the Merkava tank, here comes the listings for them, if you have interest, could you make offer? The best price will be provided, thank you!"

Naturally I never pay "full suggested retail price" on anything, so we shall see if my offer is accepted.

[Rubicon99]

It seems very nice. Now, if they would just set it up so any multi module transmitter could be used with them and at the same time set their product to fully emulate the tamiya battle system protocols, they would take a huge step forward.
As it is, I would have to add the purchase of a good after market board to what they are selling it for.

The sad part is HL does have the ability already (program addition/activation) to be "100%" Tamiya protocol compatible, well more like similar then 100%. HL version of damage, weight class and rate of fire. Still it would have been close enough. I almost had them convinced to activate it, then COVID hit. At the time they don't activate it because they felt their market is more interested in airsoft bb shooting then in IR battling. For the vast majority of buyers this is true. Fortunately at least many of the features now available they did add.

For HL everything comes down to how they see their product. Which is as a TOY first and foremost. The full Tamiya battle protocols and aftermarket TX/RX they consider a hobbyist level and that is "NOT" their market, "It would add to much to the cost" of the base tank. Meaning it would price out many of the TOY buyers.

The Merk was ready back in spring 2019 and was supposed to be released Christmas of that year, but we all know what happened then..... I will say that the delay was well worth the wait because HL added a few features that the 2019 version did not appear have.

So HL is listening just very slowly and if we keep asking at some point we will get the improvement we are asking for. They have come a long way in the last four to five years in their electronics and mechanical feature upgrades. 🤞🤞 it continues.

[MrChef]

It’s in toucanhobby website now. Search for Model # 3958.

$280.
$296.
$358.
Respectively. More palatable but $280. for plastic for me? Nope. To each his own.

BUT, I've always liked the Merkava so I'll put it on the wish list.

[DavidN]

https://www.toucanhobby.com/search?type=product&q=3958

[DavidN]

It’s in toucanhobby website now. Search for Model # 3958.

[oldwolf]

It seems very nice. Now, if they would just set it up so any multi module transmitter could be used with them and at the same time set their product to fully emulate the tamiya battle system protocols, they would take a huge step forward.
As it is, I would have to add the purchase of a good after market board to what they are selling it for.

[Evan D]

Agreed. I’ll wait and see.

[SoCalBobS]

Quite the nice price gouge. I guess that's to be expected?

Not quite a simple Sherman.

[MrChef]

2 Weeks out


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-RTR-Ta...-/275815834328

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henglong-1-...-/275815827684

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henglong-1-...-/275815778587

Quite the nice price gouge. I guess that's to be expected?

[Zippersnapper]

2 Weeks out


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-RTR-Ta...-/275815834328

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henglong-1-...-/275815827684

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henglong-1-...-/275815778587

[oldwolf]

The only thing that gives me pause is the plastic drive sprocket.

[Delta_19]

Oh my lord, torsion bar suspension, photo etch parts, top loading battery and top mounted on,off switch, ok it's got that goofy recoil systym but wow. Almost scared to find out what the price is

I wouldn't be surprised to see $100 more but, tongde is doing torsion bar for same as heng long so you never know.

[Sappo]

Oh my lord, torsion bar suspension, photo etch parts, top loading battery and top mounted on,off switch, ok it's got that goofy recoil systym but wow. Almost scared to find out what the price is

[Delta_19]

Facebook strikes again and, if this is real this is a huge step up in quality for heng long.

https://youtu.be/3TggvjjY4Rs

[Sappo]

Please don't get me started on the a2. It's gonna be hard enough convincing the finance minister we are in need of both a m60a3 and a a2. And now I gotta convince her we need a ifv as well

[Rubicon99]

Oh great, just when I'm about to drop some cash on a m60a3 along comes another "must have "

Get the M60 first it is so much more impressive and iconic. I have seen a 1/16 Merk next to a 1/16 M60 and although it is much larger the M60 draws more attention both on and off the battle field.

Not saying don't get a Merk, I am for sure, but before that I am adding another M60 in an A2 "Starship" format to the fleet. By then the Merka should be plentiful on EBay.

[Sappo]

Oh great, just when I'm about to drop some cash on a m60a3 along comes another "must have "

[SoCalBobS]

From a FB post. feel free to dissect, but you know you'll want one!

[Zippersnapper]

There is a FB post today, purportedly by Toucan Hobby that says "Heng Long 1/16 Merkava available soon", along with a video clip of one driving around. Couldn't find any more mention of it but that.